Friendships are the most valued and the most elusive of all our pursuits. No matter how hard they are to find, we continue to desire them in large part, I believe, because that’s the way God planned it. Consider that everything that God created was good except for Adam’s being alone. Why did God wait to create Eve? Why the waiting? Why the gap in creative exercise? Perhaps to show off the fact that though perfect in himself, and having a perfect, fulfilling relationship with God, Adam still needed someone else around him to fully enjoy God, creation and all that came with it. Don’t believe me? Next time you hear a new great song, or see an shot on goal, or use a fantastic recipe, see how long you can resist the temptation to say, “Hey, you gotta check this out…” Go ahead. I dare you. Don’t say anything. The truth is that if you see something valuable, you’ll really want to enjoy it and you won’t be able to enjoy it fully without sharing it with someone you admire and trust.

This is one of the many reasons we do Community Groups at Redemption Hill.

On Sunday mornings we are reminded that because of sin we are worse off than we ever imagined, but that because of Christ, we are more loved than we ever dared dream. Under the preaching of the gospel our hearts can burst with joy over what God has done for us. But just like the song, goal, and recipe, we don’t really come to fully enjoy the riches of Christ UNTIL we share our experience with the gospel with others. Until we share the depths of despair and the heights of joy, our savoring of Christ is just not complete.

Over the next two Sundays, September 13 and 20, after the service, you’ll have the opportunity to get to know people in the different groups at Redemption Hill that strive to enjoy the gospel together. The Community Groups begin to meet the week of September 13, so ask whatever you need to know to find the group that you’d like to be a part of. If for some reason, you won’t be around after the service or not at all on these days, please let me know, and I’ll get you all the info you need and help you get started. Chris@redemptionhill.org